Building structure with frame corner connector elements



July 23, 1 J. D. NAILLON ETAL BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH FRAME CORNERCONNECTOR ELEMENTS I5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 22, 1966 m 0 A TNM ww HW mma N D L w C R A JAY B TTORNEYS y 3, 1968 J. D. NAILLON ETAL3,393,483

BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH FRAME CORNER CONNECTOR ELEMENTS Filed April 22,1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS JACOB D, NAILLON & ARNOLD N. LYERMANATTORNEYS July 23, 1968 NAlLLoN ETAL 3,393,483

BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH FRAME CORNER CONNECTOR ELEMENTS Filed April 22,1966 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Q INVENTORS JACOB D NAILLON a AWOLD N. SILVE RMANT onm-zvs United States Patent 3,393,483 BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH FRAMECORNER CONNECTOR ELEMENTS Jacob D. Naillon, Walnut Creek, and Arnold N.Silverman, Burlingame, Calif., assignors to Dymo Industries, Inc.,Emeryville, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Apr. 22, 1966,Ser. No. 544,593 5 Claims. (Cl. 52-263) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Amodular building structure including a horizontal base frame withupwardly directed sockets and wall supporting columns having downwardlydirected inserts receivable in the base frame sockets.

This invention generally relates to a modular form of buildingconstruction permitting rapid on-site erection or knockdown of thevarious building components. More particularly, the invention isdirected to such a structure and its method of erection whichfacilitates compact shipment, and which reduces the required time andequipment for assembly or disassembly of the building components.

During the past several years, the use of relocatable buildingstructures has been greatly expanded. The primary reason for suchincrease has probably been economic in nature, although other factors,such as the ability to move the buildings from one location to anotherto satisfy changing population or other requirements, have also beenimportant. While the specific designs and the uses to which suchbuildings are put may have substantial variations, most of the buildingshave certain common attributes.

By way of example, major building components such as entire roofs,floors, walls, etc. may be produced at a manufacturing facility, andthen transported to the site location already wired, painted, orotherwise ready for connection to other components of the building. Thesite will usually be prepared with whatever grading or foundation workmay be required, so that upon delivery of the components, an entirebuilding, consisting, for example, of a full size classroom, about 30feet by 30 feet in dimension, can be erected in about one days time andready for occupancy. There are obviously a large number of ways in whichbuilding modules can be made, and in which the module components and/orthe entire modules can be erected and secured together. However,heretofore, the type of construction and the erection methods utilizedpossessed a number of shortcomings which included, among others, costlytransportation of the components to the building site due to the bulk ofthe unit, the necessity of having costly erection equipment, such ascranes, to handle and lift large building components, and substantialon-site fitting of the components to align and/or secure the sametogether.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide arelocatable building structure whose individual separable components areall of substantially flat rectangular configuration thereby permittingthe entire structure or the respective modules thereof to be stored andshipped in stacked flat relationship.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure of the typedescribed in which the components may be stacked for storage andshipment in such manner as enables the erection crew to use eachcomponent as the same becomes accessible from the top of the stackedpackage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a struc- 3,393,483Patented July 23, 1968 ture as above referred to in which thecomponents, including a roof, may be erected without the use of anyspecial cranes or lifting apparatus, other than a single simple forklift truck, notwithstanding the fact that the roof unit may be anintegral unit spanning an entire module of substantial size.

An additional object of the invention is to provide a structure andmethod of erecting the same which permits rapid connection of all loadbearing units with a minimum of skill on the part of the erection crew.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a structure andmethod of erecting the same in which nonload bearing members, such asWalls or partitions, may be readily and conveniently hung or installed,irrespective of slight misalignment of the load-bearing members on whichthey are mounted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system of thecharacter described incorporating a rigid frame construction utilizinglight gauge tubing and connector members which may be easily welded tosuch tubing without requiring back-up members or the like as isordinarily required in welding such tubing.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the followingdescription of the preferred form of the invention which is illustratedin the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. Itis to be understood, however, that variations in the showing made by thesaid drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, somewhat diagrammatic, of a buildingconstruction employing the teachings of the present invention, andillustrating a three module design.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged view of a lower corner of the structure takengenerally in the plane indicated by line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective view of the connector elements shownin FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is another view of a lower corner of the structure, takengenerally in the plane indicated by line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, at rightangles to the direction of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially in the planeindicated by line 55 of FIGURE 1, illustrating a typical joint betweenmodules and the securing of walls to the load bearing columns.

FIGURE 6 is a view of a typical connection between modules, takengenerally at the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of a floor beam taken in the planeindicated by line 7-7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 is a side elevational view, somewhat diagrammatic, illustratingthe manner in which a roof section is erected on load bearing columns.

FIGURE 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 2, but illustrating an upper cornerof the framework.

FIGURE 10 is a view similar to FIGURE 4, but illustrating an uppercorner of the supporting framework.

As hereinabove mentioned the present invention is directed to a form ofbuilding construction utilizing factory produced components which may berapidly and efiiciently connected together at a building site with aminimum of time and equipment to produce a permanent, yet relocatablestructure.

For purpose of explanation, and to establish an environment for certainfeatures of the invention which will be later described, FIGURE 1 of thedrawings illustrates a generally square building formed of threemodules, 16, 17 and 18. By way of example, each of the modules might beapproximately ten feet wide and thirty feet long, and connected togetheralong adjacent sides to produce a thirty foot square structure. Althougheach module might be made to serve as a self-contained unit, where themodules are connected together, as illustrated, the outer modules 16 and18 will have end walls and one side or outer wall, while the centermodule 17 will only have end walls. Each module includes a floor 19,walls 21, and a roof 22, and the manner of connecting these componentsto the load-bearing structural frame members, and the interconnection ofadjacent modules will be later described in more detail.

The framework of the various modules is the same and consequently, adescription of the construction of the load-bearing unit of a singlemodule will suffice. In broad terms, the framework includes a pair oflongitudinally extending horizontal floor beams 24 and a pair oftransversely extending horizontal floor beams 27. As here shown, all ofthe beams are positioned at the edges of their associated module, butwhere individual modules are to be used, or where for some reason it isnot essential to provide a structural connection between the frameworkof adjacent modules, such beams might be disposed inwardly of suchedges. Then, if adjacent modules were to be attached together, suchattachment would have to be other than a side by side frame attachment.

As best illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 4, the ends of the beams 24 arerigidly connected to the ends of beams 27 through a socket connectormember, generally designated by the numeral 31. All of the beams arepreferably of tubular cross-sectional form, with the transverse beams 27being of generally square configuration and the longitudinal beams 24being of a narrower form of rectangular shape. For reasons of strength,the height of such a beam will obviously have the maximum dimension, forminimizing bending forces. As above mentioned, instead of merelysecuring the beam ends directly together, the connector element 31 isutilized, and in this connection, a dual purpose is accomplished. First,the nature of member 31 is such that a welded connection can be effectedon relatively light gauge tubing members without requiring back upelements or the like inserted within the tubular beams. Secondly, themember 31 is utilized to provide a support for the posts or verticalload bearing column members, presently to be described.

Member 31 has a base 32, end walls 33, 34, and side walls 36, 37, thelatter slightly converging from the base, with all of such membersdefining a generally rectangular pocket 38 having a maximum size at itsupper open end, and a minimum size at the base. The base or bottom 32may have a drain opening 39' therein. At least one of the side walls,such as wall 36 so provided with an outwardly extending squareprojection or boss 41 of a size and shape to be telescopically receivedwithin the end portion of beam 27. Such a boss will serve as a back upplate and permit a welding of beam 27 to the member 31 at the outerexposed juncture 42 between the beam and socket member. Similarly, oneof the end walls 33 of the socket member 31 has an outwardly extendingrectangular boss 43 having a size and shape to be telescopicallyreceived within the end portion of beam 24, and welded thereto in themanner just described.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that insofar as theflooring framework is concerned, a socket member 31 is provided at eachof the four corners of the structure, the bosses 41 and 43 are insertedin the ends of their respective beams and welded to the same, and thebeams are thus secured to each other in a rigid manner, and a socket orpocket 38 is provided at each corner for the purpose of receivingvertical columns 46.

The vertical columns or posts 46 are also preferably formed of tubularcross-sectional form of substantially the same size as the longitudinalfloor beams 24. The

length, i.e., the height of such columns will depend on the desired roofheight requirements. The important factor, however, is that each cornerpost or column 46 is provided with a socket insert connector member 47at the ends thereof which is adapted to be received in the pocket 38 ofits associated socket connector member to provide a rigid connectiontherebetween.

As illustrated, each insert member is in the form of a hollow tongue orblade having end walls 48, a bottom 49, and apposed side walls 51 and 52converging from the bottom wall 49 in the same manner as socket walls 36and 37. The insert has a flange 53 extending laterally beyond the endand side walls and extending axially beyond such flange is a boss 54which is telescopically inserted in the end of column 46 so as to permita welding connection therebetween, such as at 55, in the same mannerthat the socket members were inserted in and welded to the floor beams.With the blade or tongue insert 47 extending downwardly from the column46, the latter is readily installed relative to the floor beams bymerely dropping the insert 47 into the socket pocket 38. The bottom ofthe insert is provided with a drain opening 56 in alignment with thesimilar opening 39 in the socket member.

As seen in the drawings, the tongue insert while freely insertible inthe socket, forms a taper fit when the same is fully seated, andaccordingly is capable of resisting all loads other than a directvertical force which would tend to separate the two connector elements31 and 47 from each other. Accordingly, there is provided a plurality ofbolt-receiving apertures 58 extending through the side walls of thesocket member, and similar apertures 59 extending through the side wallsof the blade insert. With the insert fully seated in the socket pocket(as shown in FIGURE 2) the apertures 58 and 59 will be in alignment.Bolts 61 may then be inserted therethrough and engaged by nuts 62 toeffectively releasably secure the connector elements together. The bolts61 may be readily inserted into the apertures 58, and thence through theother aligned apertures. However, after insertion, the threaded ends ofthe bolts will be within the beams 27. For this reason, the outersurface wall of such beams is preferably provided with a continuous slotor opening 64 normally covered by a plate 66. By removing the plate, thenuts 62 mav be readily attached to the bolts.

It should also be noted that connector elements 31 and 47 are eachprovided with an enlarged central aperture 67 and 68 respectively, andsuch apertures will be aligned upon operative engagement between theelements so as to permit an electrical conduit (not shown) to be passedthrough the beams 27, and the associated connector elements.

The foregoing description has been primarily directed towards the floorframing and vertical columns for a single module, and same attentionshould now be directed towards the roof structure, and the method ofconnection of such structure to the columns so as to be supportedthereby.

As shown in FIGURES 9 and 10, and as above suggested, the upper end ofeach of the four columns 46 is provided with a male connector element47, and in this case, the blade extends upwardly therefrom, i.e., withthe portion 49 thereof at the upper end and adapted to be inserted in adownwardly directed socket element 31 carried by the roof framework. Thelatter may be constructed in a manner similar to the floor frameworkwith a pair of longitudinally extending beams 71 and a pair oftransversely extending beams 72. The socket connector elements 31 areinserted in and welded to the roof beams 71 and 72 in the same manner ason the floor beams 24 and 27, except that for the roof beams, themembers 31 will be positioned with the pocket 38 downwardly directed. Asshown in the drawings, the actual roofing 22 may include an overhangbeyond the perimeter of the building as defined by the beams 71 and 72.Accordingly, additional roof headers 74 may be provided as such spacingand with such pitch as the roof specification requires.

As will be understood, the floor beams 24 and 27, the floor beam socketconnector elements 31, and the flooring 19 may be made as an integralunit at a factory. Likewise, the male connector elements 47 are securedto the ends of the columns 46, and the roof module consisting of theroof beams 71, 72, the socket elements 31, headers 74, and roofing 22 isconstructed. The floor section may be placed in a flat bed trailer, orotherwise mounted on wheels for transportation to the building site. Theposts may be laid on the flooring, and the roof section likewise laid onthe flooring during such shipment. Upon arrival at the building site,after the flooring section is deposited in position, a fork lift truckmay lift up one end of the roof section to provide access to the fourcolumns 46. Such columns are then inserted in the corner sockets 31. Thefork lift may then raise one end of the roof section (as shown in FIGURE8) until the two sockets 31 may be dropped onto the upwardly extendingconnectors 46 at the top of the posts. Due to the angular inclination ofthe roof beams 71, the connector elements cannot be fully seated, butthe blade enters the socket pocket 38 a sufficient distance so that theroof end will be supported thereby. Then, the fork lift may raise theother end of the roof section until the other two socket members 31 maybe lowered with the subjacent blade connectors 47. As the roof beams 71achieve a horizontal disposition, the blade members 47 will become fullyseated in the pockets 31. It is important to note that due to the natureof the connectors, the roof may be raised, one end at a time indistinction to the usual raising of a roof section by maintaining thesame horizontal, with accompanying heavy duty lifting equipment.

After the roof connector elements are seated, bolts 61 and nuts areutilized as above explained to releasably lock the columns to the roofframe structure. Access to the nuts may be had through a continuousopening 76 provided on a face of beam 72.

The particular form or arrangement of the flooring 19 or roofing 22, andthe manner of its connection to the floor or roof frame is not of anyparticular significance in an understanding of the instant invention, sono detailed showing has been made. Suitable flashing 78 may be providedfor the flooring, and likewise, in order to cover the heads of bolts 61at the corners of the structure, a cover plate 79 may overlie the outerface of the socket.

The foregoing description has been directed to the construction and/orerection of a single module, and same attention should now be directedto the manner of securing adjacent modules together. As best shown inFIG- URES 1, 6 and 7, floor frames of adjacent modules are positionedwith the respective beams 24 in contiguous relationship, thereby placingthe outer faces of socket Walls 37 in side by side position, with thebeams 27 in alignment. After the columns 46 are placed in the respectivesocket elements bolts 81 may be passed through both sets of connectorelements, and connected by nuts 82, thus not only locking each male andfemale connector against displacement, but likewise securing adjacentmodules together to provide a rigid unitary frame structure. Aspreviously explained, since the outer surface of the beams 27 isprovided with the opening 64, access is readily available to permitinsertion of the bolts and nuts. Thereafter the cover 66 and flashing 78may be installed to enclose the same. Connection of the roof framing isperformed in the same manner as for the floor framing.

In addition to the bolts 81 and nuts 82 provision is made for securingthe columns 46 together along the length thereof. With reference toFIGURE 5, it will be seen that bolts 96 and nuts 97 pass throughsuitable openings 98 in the juxtaposed walls 99 of the channels. Byusing sufficient bolts along the length of the channels there isprovided an effective cross-sectional area substantially stronger thanany individual channel. Acess to the bolts and nuts may be made throughaligned holes 101 in the outer walls of the channels.

Although the flooring and roofing will normally be constructed on theirassociated frame at the factory, it is preferred that the walls 21 beshipped flat and installed as non-load bearing members after the on-siteerection of the framework. The walls are preferably built, e.g. as aboutten foot modular sections of any desired utilitarian function, i.e.,plain wall, wall and window, wall and door, etc. These sections areshipped with the floor and roof modules and adapted for connection tothe columns 46 after the framing is completed. As best shown in FIG- URE5, each wall section 21 includes an extrusion 86 along the verticaledges thereof having an outwardly extending flange 87. Secured to theouter edge of each column 46 is an extrusion 88 having a flange 89generally parallel to flange 87 and provided with a tapped screwreceiving boss 91. The flange 87 is slotted as indicated at 92, so thatthe wall section 21 may be placed in position and then being in suchposition by passing screws (not shown) between the flanges 87 and 89,the slot 92 permitting adjustment of the wall section to accommodateslight misalignment or irregularities in either the framework, the wallpanel sections, or both.

After the walls are hung, a vertical filler 93 may be placed over theinner edges of the columns, and vertical clips 94 positioned asillustrated to provide a suitable interior trim.

From the foregoing description, it should be clear that the structurejust described is extremely simple and inexpensive insofar as initialmanufacturing costs are concerned. In addition, the construction permitson-site erection of the various components in a minimum of time, with aminimum amount of equipment or skilled rigging personnel, andnevertheless produces a stronger building than that heretoforeavailable.

What is claimed is:

1. A building structure including a plurality of modules, each of saidmodules including a generally horizontal frame, said frame including acorner connector element having an upwardly directed socket, a columnincluding a bottom connector element having a downwardly directed insertreceived in said socket, means defining apertures extending horizontallythrough said elements whereby upon placing of modules in adjacentrelationship and placing of said column elements in said frame elements,all of said apertures will be in alignment, and fastener means extendingthrough said aligned apertures securing adjacent modules and adjacentcolumns together.

2. A structure as set forth in claim 1 in which said column is providedwith an upper connector element having an upwardly directed insert, anda horizontally disposed roof frame including a downwardly directedsocket receiving said latter insert for supporting said roof frame.

3. A structure as set forth in claim 1 including a Wall member, meansreleasably supporting said wall member between adjacent columns inselected positions of adjustment therebetween.

4. A structure as set in claim 1 in which said horizontal frame includesangularly related tubular beams with said socket element being disposedat each corner thereof, said socket element having bosses extending fromangularly related faces thereof telescopically receivable in said beams,said insert element having a boss thereon telescopically receivable insaid column, at least one of said beams having an opening in a facethereof providing access to said apertures for attachment of saidfastener means.

5. A connector arrangement for releasably securing a tubular columnmember to a tubular beam member including a female socket element and amale insert element received in said socket element, each of saidelements having a boss extending from a surface thereof andtelescopically received by an end portion of the respec- 7 8 tivetubular members, means securing said elements to References Cited theirrespective members, said socket element and said UNITED STATES PATENTSinsert element having a generally rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration, said socket element having a pair of 3103709 9/1963 B911;52' 79 X normally related bosses extending from adjacent surfaces 53221837 12/1965 Flsher 52 646 thereof and telescopically received by endportions of 3279132 10/1966 Slayter 52-49 X perpendicularly related beammembers, said insert ele- FOREIGN PATENTS ment being secured to thelower end of said column mern- 149,014 1952 Australia her, and saidinsert being of generally flat rectangular configuration. 10 JOHN E.MURTAGH, Primary Examiner.

